Books Like...
If you liked Does It Hurt?, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
A gripping, emotional dark romance that's as heartbreaking as it is beautiful. Not for the faint of heart, but unforgettable if you're ready for a raw, honest journey of pain and healing.
'Still Beating' by Jennifer Hartmann follows the intertwined lives of Cora and Dean, who have known each other as enemies but find themselves in a traumatic situation after being kidnapped and held hostage. The story delves into their struggles to move forward from their trauma while exploring themes of love, healing, and self-discovery. Through a dark and raw narrative, the author portrays the complex relationship between the characters as they navigate their feelings and memories in the aftermath of their harrowing experience.
is described as a dark romance that explores themes of survival, love, and resilience amidst challenging circumstances. Readers are drawn into the emotional journey of Cora and Dean as they confront their past, face their inner demons, and strive to find healing and understanding in the midst of their shared trauma. Jennifer Hartmann's writing style is praised for its ability to evoke a range of emotions, from heartbreak and anguish to hope and dedication, making the readers feel deeply connected to the characters' struggles and triumphs.
We went to Disneyland when I was eight-years-old—me, Mandy, Mom, and Dad. I’d been so excited. I wanted to put my toes in the salty sea for as long as I could remember. We rented a car and made the dr...December 2020•307 pages - #2
A spicy, spooky romance with dark twists and a non-traditional ending. Go in blind for maximum impact - just don’t expect a classic fairy-tale HEA!
'Pen Pal' by J.T. Geissinger follows the story of Kayla, who is grieving the loss of her husband. Upon receiving a letter from an inmate named Dante, mysterious events start occurring in her life, leading her to meet Aidan, a roofer who becomes a significant presence in her life. The narrative unfolds with twists and turns, exploring themes of grief, love, and suspense, all while keeping the reader guessing about the true nature of the relationships and events happening in Kayla's life.
The writing style of 'Pen Pal' is described as emotionally engaging and suspenseful, with a focus on character development and psychological depth. blends elements of romance, thriller, and paranormal suspense, creating a unique and captivating reading experience that keeps the reader on edge throughout the story.
I put the letter in the back of my underwear drawer and leave it there, determined to forget about it. If another one comes, I might call the nice detective who interviewed me after the accident and s...August 2022•336 pages - #3
A pitch-black, boundary-pushing stalker romance that fans of dark, taboo fiction will devour - but it's absolutely not for the faint of heart. Check the trigger warnings and know what you’re getting into!
Haunting Adeline in the series 'Cat and Mouse Duet' by H.D. Carlton is a dark romance novel with a gothic, paranormal setting at the Manor House inherited by Adeline Reilly. The story follows Adeline, a writer, who discovers her great grandmother's diary revealing a haunting past of a stalker and a murder mystery. Adeline finds herself with her own stalker, Zade, who is a vigilante and a judgmental hypocrite, making the plot a mix of romance, mystery, and danger. The writing style is described as atmospheric, gothic, and gripping, with explicit sex scenes and a cliffhanger that leaves readers anxious for the next installment.
“Addie, you’re being ridiculous,” Mom says through the speaker on my phone. I glare at it in response, refusing to argue with her. When I have nothing to say, she sighs loudly. I wrinkle my nose. It b...August 2021•598 pages - #4
A daring, darkly erotic political romance that’s addictive if you can stomach the themes - just be prepared for a wild ride with no guaranteed ending.
'Dirty Lovely Broken' in the 'Twisted Kingdom' series by Emmy Chandler revolves around Princess Maari, who is given to three dominating brothers from a rival planet kingdom as a part of a peace deal. The story is dark, sexy, and taboo, with a plot that delves into the complexities of power dynamics, manipulation, and relationships. Despite the initial brutality and humiliation, Maari's character evolves as she navigates her role as a concubine and breeder, challenging the flawed nature of the brothers and the dark romance that unfolds.
The writing style of 'Dirty Lovely Broken' is captivating, with dynamic characters, intense plot twists, and moments of humor that punctuate the darkness. The author, Emmy Chandler, skillfully weaves a narrative that keeps readers engaged, exploring themes of love, redemption, and the consequences of power in a twisted kingdom setting.
“For far too long, the planet Syrus has been divided by this brutal civil war.” The Chancellor’s words echoed across the great hall at Saintton with far more power and authority than his physical pres...July 2019•240 pages - #5
Utterly shattering and unforgettable - a pitch-black, emotional ride that pushes all boundaries. Approach with caution, but if you can handle it, it's a twisted love story that will haunt you long after the last page.
'Hunting Adeline' in the 'Cat and Mouse Duet' series by H.D. Carlton is a dark and raw story that delves into the traumatic experiences of the protagonist, Addie, who is kidnapped and taken to be groomed as a sex slave. The book follows the themes of abuse, trauma, survival, and revenge, intertwining Addie's journey of healing with Zade's relentless pursuit to save her from the hands of captors. The writing style is described as intense, emotional, and gripping, taking the readers on a rollercoaster of emotions as they witness the characters' struggles and resilience.
The second part of the book focuses on Addie's recovery and healing process after being rescued, showcasing her strength and determination to overcome the horrors she endured. Zade's character is explored in depth, revealing both his haunting, dangerous side and his tender, protective nature towards Addie. The book also introduces side characters that add depth and reality to the story, shaping Addie into a stronger individual, while also hinting at potential future developments for these characters.
Smell. The first of my senses to trickle in. I wish it were anything else because I'm instantly overwhelmed by the scent of body odor, spiced cologne, and what can only be described as the stench of e...January 2022•617 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Cat and Mouse Duet ) - #6
Atmospheric, twisty, and dark as midnight - Master of Salt & Bones is a daring gothic romance that’s as unsettling as it is gripping. If you crave deeply layered stories and can handle heavy subjects, add it to your TBR; if not, maybe steer clear.
'Master of Salt & Bones' by Keri Lake is a dark and suspenseful romance novel that follows the story of Isa, a 19-year-old with a troubled past, who becomes the companion of Lady Blackthorne in a gothic castle. The book is told in dual character perspective and dual time periods, revealing deep backstories and mysteries surrounding the characters. The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers engaged and intrigued until the very end. The writing style is described as atmospheric, raw, and emotional, with elements of suspense and dark romance that challenge readers with serious themes like mental illness, abuse, and trauma.
Cigarette smoke mingles with the warm, salty sea air that’s breezing through the cracked window, as my aunt taps her thumb like a metronome against the steering wheel. “Yeah, you would be, too, if you...April 2020•551 pages - #7
Twisted Hate is a polarizing but addictive enemies-to-lovers romance packed with heat, angst, and sharp banter. Loved by some for its spice and hated by others for its darker edges - definitely check content warnings before diving in!
'Twisted Hate' by Ana Huang is the third installment in the 'Twisted' series, where readers are taken on a wild ride filled with tension, hate, and undeniable chemistry between the main characters, Jules and Josh. The book explores the enemies-to-lovers trope as Jules and Josh navigate their intense dislike for each other while also dealing with their own inner demons. The story is filled with spicy scenes, witty banter, and unexpected emotional depth as the characters confront their pasts and find healing in each other.
The writing style of 'Twisted Hate' is praised for its detailed storytelling, engaging plot twists, and well-developed characters. Ana Huang cleverly weaves new characters and subplots into the story, hinting at what's to come while also providing familiar faces that warm the readers' hearts. The verbal sparring between Jules and Josh, the banter, angst, and steamy scenes are highlighted as elements that make this book a captivating and satisfying read for fans of the series.
“Don’t say it.” I cracked open my beer, ignoring Clara’s amused expression. The cute female bartender she’d been flirting with had left to deal with the happy hour rush, and she’d been watching me wit... - #8
A spicy, sharp-edged, and emotionally honest grumpy/sunshine romance with big feels and even bigger heat - perfect for those craving something raw, messy, and a little bit dirty (in every sense).
'The Brazen One' in the 'Wrench Kings' series by Daisy Jane is a contemporary romance novel that delves into the complexities of love and relationships. The book follows the journey of Goldie and Atticus, two individuals dealing with their own inner demons and traumas. Through a slow-burn romance, the author explores themes of personal growth, mental health, and overcoming past struggles. Daisy Jane's writing style is described as raw, emotional, and engaging, capturing the readers' attention with its realistic portrayal of love and life.
November 2022•420 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Wrench Kings ) - #9
A deliciously dark, pulse-pounding romance for readers who love their love stories complicated, taboo, and completely addictive. Not for the faint of heart, but totally unforgettable if you're into the genre!
"His" by Aubrey Dark is a captivating dark romance that intertwines erotic tension with unsettling themes. The plot follows Lacey, a young artist who mistakenly finds herself caught in a dangerous situation when she is mistaken for a paid submissive at a billionaire's birthday party. The man, Jake, is a handsome yet sociopathic serial killer, creating a complex dynamic filled with intense interactions. As their relationship unfolds, readers are drawn into a world of obsession, power, and the exploration of deep-seated desires, making for a thrilling read.
Aubrey Dark's writing style is immersive, filled with vivid descriptions that engage the senses and evoke strong emotions. The characters are well-developed, showcasing a mix of strength and vulnerability, as Lacey navigates her complicated feelings for Jake. Dark skillfully crafts a narrative that keeps readers on edge, balancing the allure of desire with the darkness of the characters' realities. This book is not only about romance but also about the psychological depths of its participants, making it a compelling addition to the dark romance genre.
Seeing what they do for fun, that’s always eye-opening. This one, my next, he was a strange man. He normally went from his job as a university attorney to his home, where he would beat his wife and so...2014•299 pages - #10
An unforgettable, extremely dark romance with brutal twists and emotionally charged characters - highly recommended for thrill-seeking readers, but definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in!
'Debt' by Nina G. Jones is a dark and intense novel that delves into themes of sexual assault, domestic abuse, revenge, and love. The story follows Mia, an independent woman who seeks satisfaction in a secret world where she orders her own rape. As the plot unfolds, readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster, feeling a wide range of emotions for the characters involved, including the main characters Tax and Mia. The book intricately weaves together past and present timelines, revealing a complex web of secrets, vengeance, and heartbreak.
I have known Tiff long enough to recognize the look on her face as soon as I open the door. She’s trying to play it cool, but she’s about to burst. She really wants to tell me something. It also expla...December 2014•467 pages











